2023 Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus in Polymetal Grey (a $395 coloration possibility)
2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus AWD
Class: Compact Crossover
Miles pushed: 617
Gasoline used: 25.2 gallons
CG Report Card
Room and ComfortB+
Energy and PerformanceB+
Match and FinishB+
Gasoline EconomyB
ValueB-
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup.
Large & Tall Consolation
Large GuyB
Tall GuyB
Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs227-horsepower 2.5L
Engine TypeTurbo 4-cylinder
Transmission 6-speed Automated
Drive WheelsAWD
Actual-world gas economic system: 23.4 mpg
Driving combine: 55% metropolis, 45% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 23/29/25 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Gasoline sort: Common fuel
Base value: $38,700 (not together with $1125 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: Particular paint ($395)
Value as examined: $43,170
Fast Hits
The good: Elegant cabin, loads of energy
The great: Enjoyable to drive character, first rate gas economic system, choice to function on regular-grade gas
The not so good:Knob-centric infotainment system trails competitors in ease of operation, Premium Plus trim degree dear for a mainstream-brand small crossover
Extra Q3 value and availability data
CG Says:
Mazda’s new-for-2023 CX-50 represents a noteworthy enlargement in focus for the model. Historically, Mazda autos have been primarily tuned for on-road driving dynamics, however the CX-50 is extra overtly geared toward off-road driving and active-lifestyle adventures than any Mazda in latest reminiscence. Mazda says it’s “purpose-built for outside fanatics.” Considerably, the CX-50 goals to ship enhanced all-terrain capabilities with out compromising the partaking on-road driving character that’s Mazda’s stock-in-trade. Contemplating that even probably the most lively outside adventurers will spend nearly all of their seat time on paved roads, it is a logical path for the CX-50 to comply with.
There’s nothing particularly new below the CX-50’s hood… a minimum of not but. It debuts with Mazda’s acquainted 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in both naturally aspirated or turbocharged type. The one transmission selection is a 6-speed automated, and it pairs with customary “i-ACTIV” all-wheel drive. The naturally aspirated engine is rated at 187 horsepower, whereas the turbo receives a 227-hp score (which will increase to 256 hp on 93-octane premium-grade gasoline). Mazda says electrified variations of the CX-50, together with a conventional hybrid mannequin, will likely be added sooner or later.
The CX-50 is offered in an incredible 9 trim ranges, the highest three of which include the more-potent turbocharged engine. We frolicked with the top-trim 2.5 S Premium Plus, with comes absolutely loaded, leaving buyers to determined solely on coloration and dealer-installed equipment.
On the street our solely disappointment comes within the type of some throb from the engine and an obtuse infotainment interface that actually angers members of our employees. Reality be informed, the CX-50 management methods is simple sufficient to acclimate to, however requires far too many steps—and urgent down and knob turning—to carry out what must be easy duties.
The CX-50 cabin, particularly in larger trim ranges, is a cultured affair, and aligns properly with Mazda’s acknowledged plan to take the model upscale. Although no sports activities automobile, the ’50 handles properly, and the turbocharged engine supplies loads of energy, although sounds slightly coarse doing so. You possibly can learn our authentic assessment of the CX-50 right here.
We don’t assume the image of the CX-50 as an active-lifestyle accent extension of the Mazda model has developed absolutely but, however our check automobile proved able to dealing with average off-road challenges on its all-season tires. Pricing on the prime finish clearly falls in keeping with Mazda’s aforementioned aspirations as a premium model, however general the CX-50 is a really fascinating addition to the compact SUV class—whether or not you’re driving on-road or off-road.
Extra Mazda information and evaluations
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Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus
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Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
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First Spin: 2023 Mazda CX-50
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Automotive Stuff Podcast